Boating Warning: East Coast Low developing

Boaters have been urged to exercise extreme caution as wild weather is forecast to lash the NSW coastline this weekend.

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey said the forecast coastal conditions, with gale force winds and heavy swell, were too risky for safe boating. Looking at the forecasts and charts, we must concur.

"Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be on high alert this weekend for any emergencies that should arise in the wild weather and sea conditions," he said.

"The simple advice is to stay on shore.  It’s just not safe out there – for you or the rescue crews who would have to come to your aid in the event of an emergency."

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that conditions will be hazardous for boaters crossing bars and other coastal activities such as rock fishing.

Conditions will deteriorate along the NSW coastline over the weekend, with an East Coast Low expected to develop around the Queensland border region on Saturday night or Sunday morning and move slowly south. 

Gale force winds and waves up to four metres are expected to lash the coast, with the potential for coastal erosion.

These are treacherous conditions for boating and rock fishing. Strong winds can also cause dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained. Head down to your boat and throw an extra rope or two now.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime advises skippers to:

• Check the official weather forecast before and during boating
• Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions
• Log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore
• Wear a lifejacket

For boating information, BOM has create a Check the Marine Weather Before You Go

website that is well worth bookmarking and getting aboard.

To help you understand and plan for current and approaching weather, wave and tidal conditions, BOM has developed the Five Vital Checks. These are the questions you need to ask about the weather and how your boat will perform and react before you head out:

Make the right choice about where and when it's safe to go boating. Here are some key BOM forecasting resources.

More  information on the 
Five Vital Safety Checks for boaters at www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/vital-checks.shtml and www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/marine-safety.shtml.

BOM's graphical mapping tool MetEye allows you to zoom to any location and visualise the weather forecast. To help you better plan your journey, MetEye has recently been upgraded to include new wind wave and swell forecasts. Your boatsales and BoatPoint crew thoroughly recommend this excellent forecasting tool available at www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye.

When out on the water, tune into the weather on your marine radio at www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/marine-radio-sat.shtml.

Remember, weather is only one aspect of marine safety. Check in with your state or territory marine safety agency to find out what other precautions you should take to stay safe on the water. More at State and Territory regulations